Virtual Network Path Control via Packet Header Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management technologies do not perform detailed path control by determining a policy for each flow, and methods like source routing reduce the net data amount a packet can contain, while OpenFlow configurations primarily focus on network management, access control, and virtual network construction without achieving finely tuned path control in virtual networks.
Innovation Solution
An information system comprising physical nodes that hold control information for packet processing, a control server that identifies and updates physical nodes configuring a virtual network based on packet characteristics, and storage units for virtual network configuration and identifying information, enabling fine-grained path control within virtual networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If source routing is used to perform path control, then path control capability is improved, but the net data amount a packet can contain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts path control information from the packet payload and places it in a dedicated header field. This separates the control function from the data payload, allowing path control without consuming packet data capacity. The control server extracts routing instructions and embeds them in the packet header, enabling fine-grained path control while preserving the net data amount for actual information transmission.
2Ease of operation
If OpenFlow configuration is used for network management, then network management capability is improved, but finely tuned path control in virtual networks is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control function by introducing a control server that operates at a higher level than traditional OpenFlow controllers. This control server specifically manages virtual network path control, separating it from general network management functions. The segmentation allows dedicated fine-grained path control for virtual networks while maintaining overall network management capabilities through the OpenFlow infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If physical nodes continuously inquire control server for routing decisions, then path control accuracy is improved, but processing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control server pre-calculate and install routing rules in the flow tables of physical nodes before packets arrive. The control server proactively pushes routing decisions to nodes based on virtual network configuration and packet characteristics, eliminating the need for continuous inquiries during packet forwarding. This preliminary setup enables both accurate path control and high-speed processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus, includes a first unit configured to be capable of specifying an identification rule to identify a packet based on a user of a virtual network including a plurality of virtual nodes; and a second unit configured to be capable of sending an instruction to a physical node corresponding to each of the virtual nodes of the virtual network, wherein each of the virtual nodes includes a predetermined network function being capable of providing a first packet operation to the packet, wherein the instruction includes that the physical node provides a second packet operation to the packet so as to emulate the first packet operation.